JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE

Norway’s Lasse Kjus will better understand the significance of his ski-racing feat once he he gets some rest.

For now, pardon Kjus if he sleeps.

Friday, in Hakuba, Kjus made history when he became the first Alpine skier to win two Olympic medals (both silver) on the same day.

Kjus got the chance because a series of weather postponements forced organizers to double up the men’s downhill and the men’s downhill combined events within hours of each other on Friday.

Kjus won the silver in the morning downhill then had to jump on a chair lift and get ready for his turn on a shortened downhill course in the combined event, in which he claimed another silver.

At the post-event news conference, Kjus didn’t seem too excited about his record-setting performance.

“I’m happy,” Kjus insisted. “But it’s difficult to smile because I’m really tired.”

HEY KID, EVER HEAR OF VINCE LOMBARDI?

Jean-Luc Cretier had some explaining to do.

After winning the gold medal in Friday’s men’s downhill, the 31-year-old Frenchman phoned his 8-year-old son, Pierre, back home in Bourg St. Maurice.

“He was disappointed,” Cretier said, “because he asked me to bring him home a silver medal. He’s disappointed that I’m bringing the wrong one home.”

INTRODUCING THE NEW LUC ALPHAND!

What does Cretier have in common with 1994 Olympic downhill champion Tommy Moe?

Neither skier has won a World Cup downhill race or world championship title in the discipline.

Until this year, Cretier had spent his career in the shadow of fellow Frenchman Luc Alphand, who retired last year after winning the World Cup overall title.

How was Cretier feeling after winning Alpine skiing’s most prestigious title?

“I really haven’t landed yet, so to speak,” Cretier said. “It really won’t sink in until I get back to France.”